June 17, 2009
John Yembrick
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
john.yembrick-1@nasa.gov
Candrea Thomas
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
candrea.k.thomas@nasa.gov
RELEASE: 09-138
FUEL LEAK AGAIN POSTPONES LAUNCH OF SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA postponed the launch of space shuttle
Endeavour's STS-127 mission Wednesday because of a leak associated
with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the shuttle’s
external fuel tank.
Endeavour's next launch opportunity is July 11. This date comes after
the end of an orbital sun-angle condition called a beta angle
cut-out, which occurs between June 22 and July 10. The cut-out
creates a thermal condition that prohibits shuttle and space station
docked operations.
The gaseous hydrogen venting system is used to carry excess hydrogen
safely away from the launch pad. Wednesday's leak is similar to one
that prevented Endeavour's launch on June 13.
The 16-day mission to the International Space Station will feature
five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a
platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow
experiments to be exposed to space.
Mission Commander Mark Polansky, who has a Twitter account named
Astro_127, can be followed online at:
http://www.twitter.com/Astro_127
For information about NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule
information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
For the latest information about the STS-127 mission and its crew,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For information about the International Space Station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
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